The Cubs began a slow decline since their 1945 National League pennant. By 1951 they had four consecutive losing seasons for the first time in a decade.
The 1951 Cubs, though, got off to a good start. After sweeping a doubleheader from the Braves May 20 they were 17-14, in second place and just a game out of first. A glimmer of hope came across Wrigley Field, and fans had started to return — that doubleheader drew a sellout of 42,088.
As often happened in that era, though, the team went downhill from there.